The Game Maker

Nora is a little lost after she graduates from high school. After she settles in to her new flat in a shambling old house, she's excited to get an unexpected invitation to tea from Mrs. Hampton, the eccentric millionaire next door. When the old woman invites her to move in, however, Nora knows something's a bit off about the situation.

She's absolutely right.

The Game Maker is a 5,000 word (20 page) short story with dark themes--suitable for readers in grades 9 and up.

EXCERPT:

"I think you'll be happy here," she said, as if it were settled.
"Really, ma'am. I can't stay with you. I appreciate the invitation, but I'm afraid I can't accept it. I'm sorry."
"I can't take no for an answer, dear," she said. "You live here now."
My heart dropped in my chest at her menacing tone. What if she was dangerous? What should I do? I thought of the cell phone I'd left on my desk back in my little room to be polite. I knew older people hated it when young people checked their phones, but now I longed for it.
"Mrs. Hampton, I'm so sorry, but I think you're confused. I don't live here. Is there someone I can call to come help you?"
"I see you believe I'm a few marbles short, dear. I assure you that is not the case. You have no family in town, no boss, and no one looking for you. You're my prisoner. There is a boy here as well; I expect you'll meet soon enough. You can both do as you please, but I will be watching. At the end of the allotted time, you'll be judged for your actions and I will decide on an heir--and on a sacrifice. Isn't this fun? Welcome to my Game."
She sounded crazy. Serial-killer crazy. I stared at her in horror as she stepped into a closet. The doors closed, elevator-style, and she was gone.